Marshall leaves a legacy of many happy days and great advice

Garry Marshall was a great guy who was creative and fun, and so it was a joy to interview him over the years and catch up with him when we attended opening night shows at his Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake.

Most of the following quotes are from our article for Production Update magazine a decade ago. His great advice for future filmmakers still rings true and is part of his legacy of mentoring.

A Garry Marshall film or television show is a reflection of the respected producer-director-writer-actor. His productions always show a fun-loving spirit, plus the enthusiasm of the cast and crew bubbles forth to the surface, infecting the audiences of his many hit movies and TV shows.

Regarding the legacy of his Happy Days TV series that ran for 11 seasons, Marshall said with pride, “It was a show that families could watch together. I grew up in the ’50s, and it was a gentle time. I just wanted to create shows that families could watch together and I think I achieved that.”

Marshall revealed the secret to choosing his projects. He said, “It must have three elements—one is humor, because my voice is comedy. Two is some kind of positive character change for the hero. And three is a happy ending. I like a positive finish.”

Another nugget of advice Marshall had for his fellow filmmakers is: “Surround yourself with people you love, and who love you. They pump you up. They make a project fun, and it will show on the screen.”

‘It was always a dream of mine.’– Garry Marshall on founding the Falcon Theatre

Actor Hector Elizondo (Garry’s good luck charm—appearing in almost every Marshall film) explained it best when he said, “The set of a Garry Marshall movie has a party atmosphere. We laugh a lot. We eat a lot. And we make a little movie that will entertain people.”

Marshall built a respected reputation of being easy and comfortable on the set. He relaxes, he snacks, and he enjoys himself at all times. And he advised all around him, cast and crew, to do the same.

In the five decades since his career began, Marshall developed and created 14 television series. By his own count, he executive-produced more than a thousand half-hour episodes, turning out TV classics such as Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy and The Odd Couple.

His film credits are equally impressive, producing or at the helm of some of the all-time best-loved hit movies, including The Princess Diaries with Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, Beaches with Bette Midler, Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, The Flamingo Kid with Matt Dillon, and of course the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere blockbusters Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride.

Over the years, through his TV shows and films, Marshall helped launch the careers of a long list of notables, including his sister, director Penny Marshall, producer-director Henry Winkler, Robin Williams, and, of course Ron Howard who honed his behind the camera skills on the set of Happy Days.

Marshall’s favorite advice for young filmmakers was “wear comfortable shoes when you’re directing. You’re on your feet all day, 12-16 hour days. Directors have to make quick decisions. You can’t do that if you’re tired and your feet hurt.”

Regarding filmmaking, Marshall said every producer and director must “keep consistently excited about what you’re doing. It’s difficult to keep that energy level up there, but it’s so important. Creativity doesn’t come when you’re emotionally and physically exhausted.”

Marshall loved his family and he loved creating The Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake. “It was always a dream of mine,” he said. He took enormous pride in the productions, showcasing talent, newcomers and veterans. Unless he was out of town filming, Garry was always part of the opening night festivities for every new show. That was when we last saw him, last month, congratulating the cast of Tennessee Williams UnScripted, and joking around with us about the softball league he loved so much.

Garry Marshall will be remembered for many things—his great movies and TV shows, memorable roles, his mentoring of Hollywood’s best performers and filmmakers, his many awards, his theater, his family and his reputation for being one of the nicest guys you’d ever have the pleasure to meet. He made us laugh.

Thank you Garry—thank you for all the happy days you gave us.

]]>At the LA Zoo with elephants, stars and a KCET premierehttp://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/at-the-la-zoo-with-elephants-stars-and-a-kcet-premiere/
Thu, 04 Jun 2015 20:21:28 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=30866At the Los Angeles Zoo, screen legend and animal advocate Tippi Hedren helped KCET put the spotlight on the consequences of the illegal ivory trade and elephant poaching. The special “green carpet” zoo event featured the premiere screening of KCETLink’s EARTH FOCUS: Illicit Ivory. Hedren hosted the screening, which was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by the LA Times’ Carla Hall.

Star of the Hitchcock thrillers The Birds and Marnie, Hedren introduced attendees to a special installment of the critically acclaimed environmental investigative series EARTH FOCUS. The episode titled “Illicit Ivory” uncovered the devastating effects of the illegal ivory trade, its impact on the dwindling African elephant population, and the link to insurgency groups and organized crime. Hedren’s final parting words to the audience: “I hope you leave here angry tonight.”

EARTH FOCUS: Illicit Ivory comes during a pivotal time when poachers kill an elephant every 20 minutes to feed an insatiable demand for ivory. As a result, it was reported that African elephants may be gone in as little as ten years.

A dedicated activist, Hedren is founder and President of The Roar Foundation and the Shambala Preserve (www.shambala.org), a refuge for abused and unwanted exotic cats. To date, the actress and her organization has rescued and given lifetime sanctuary to over 150 big cats and two African elephants.

Also helping the cause, actress Kristin Bauer Van Straten (Once Upon A Time, True Blood) filmed an in-studio introduction and conclusion to the program that precedes a PSA from Wildlife Conservation Society’s 96 Elephants campaign.

The Illicit Ivory program can be streamed online at www.KCET.org/ ivory and www.LinkTV.org/ivory, or look for an encore presentation on KCET.

Additional news from the Zoo: Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Los Angeles Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. And now the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens officials have announce the opening of a new habitat for the Zoo’s three jaguars. The exhibit offer guests the opportunity to see jaguars as never before and marks the momentous completion of the $180 million Master Plan Phase 1 that has transformed the Zoo, placing it at the vanguard of animal care and conservation.

The jaguars’ brand new home, like every other LA Zoo Master Plan habitat, is designed for specific needs and natural behavior of the species, incorporating state-of-the-art design and technology to provide superior living spaces for the animals, maximize safety and keeper management and accommodate changes in zoo populations, including births.

The 7,100 square-foot jaguar habitat, built on a hillside on Rainforest of the Americas’ northwest end, features a waterfall and pool in which the animals can swim, deadwood trees on which they can climb, and abundant landscaping with tall grasses, shrubs, and banana plants, through which they can wander.

According to Los Angeles Zoo Director John Lewis, “This new habitat allows the Zoo to work more intensely with jaguars while sharing with the public this important keystone predator that helps to maintain balance in New World tropical ecosystems.”

The presentation was especially meaningful because Portman adapted a screenplay based on Oz’s international bestseller and makes her directorial debut with A Tale of Love and Darkness, the upcoming feature film based on the Amos Oz memoir. The 33-year-old Israeli-born Portman also stars in the role of Oz’s mother Fania. The film is set to premiere later this month at the Cannes Film Festival, which is thrilling for both Natalie and Amos, “Who have become like family,” said Oz.

At the gala event Amos Oz received the “UCLA Israel Studies Award” and philanthropists Younes and Soraya Nazarian, accepted the inaugural “Visionary Award.” Hundreds gathered at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills to support the Y&S Nazarian Center which promotes the study and understanding of Israel as a modern Jewish and democratic state.

The Center welcomes students of all religions and backgrounds. Through teaching, scholarship and community programs, the Center fosters a deep and nuanced understanding of Israel’s history and multi-ethnic society, vibrant culture and role in the Middle East and the world. Sharon Nazarian, Chair, UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center Community Advisory Board, noted that the Center is quickly becoming an international leader in the burgeoning field of Israel Studies.

The evening’s program included a special conversation with Oz by celebrated Israeli journalist, writer and television commentator Ari Shavit. They talked about peace and understanding, and Israel being a dream fulfilled, “but like every dream fulfilled it is not perfect, or it would still just be a dream,” said Shavit. The event’s honorary committee was helmed by Janet Napolitano, President, University of California and Gene Block, Chancellor, UCLA. An elegant dinner followed in the courtyard of The Wallis.

The “UCLA Israel Studies Award,” which includes a $10,000 prize, was created to recognize individuals of extraordinary character and merit in their chosen fields – whether academia, public service, business or the arts – who have contributed to a greater understanding of Israel. Younes and Soraya Nazarian are universally recognized for their remarkable professional accomplishments and outstanding humanitarian endeavors. Together, their philanthropic work has benefitted a host or worthy causes in the fields of academia, public policy and community-based social and artistic programs.

TEEN LINE presents awards

At another event in Beverly Hills, TEEN LINE, the confidential teen-to-teen hotline, honored The Herzer Family with the “Above and Beyond Family Award” and Ellie Schneir and Peter Mezza with the “Humanitarian Award” at the annual Food for Thought luncheon at the Beverly Hilton. Actor/director Gabriel Sunday, hosted and The Sumner Redstone Foundation was the presenting sponsor. The event co-chairs, Stephanie Bronson and Jane McCord welcomed guests and Elaine Leader, PhD., TEEN LINE’s executive director, introduced a video presentation documenting the impressive work of the teen help program and its myriad successes.

Ellie Schneir and Peter Mezza, who tragically lost their son Matthew to suicide at age 14, got the “Humanitarian Award,” because they go out and speak at schools and community agencies to help others understand the pain of this kind of loss and to help prevent other such tragedies. The Herzer Family was honored because of the on-going support of the organization. Their daughter Kathrine, a TEEN LINE volunteer since 2012, is currently on leave from the program while filming her co-starring role in the CBS series Madam Secretary. Kathrine Herzer promised, “I’ll be back because TEEN LINE is important work.”

]]>‘American Idol’ Season 14, Counting Down with the Top 5http://tolucantimes.info/entertainment/american-idol-season-14-counting-down-with-the-top-5/
Sat, 02 May 2015 14:02:09 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=30435There was a lot of talent on hand when Fox TV threw a party for the American Idol Season 14 finalists at LA’s The District restaurant last month. Not just the superstar judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., plus host Ryan Seacrest, but also the 12 gifted singers who want to be the next American Idol.

Talking with Scott Borchetta, the head of the Big Machine record label, we agreed that there was great potential with each of the finalists. And this season as mentor to the singers it has been Borchetta’s job to unleash their brilliance as artists. Scott certainly has the knack for spotting the best since he discovered Taylor Swift when she performed at the Bluebird Café, Nashville’s famous songwriters’ hangout. He quickly signed her to a record deal and set her on the road to stardom 11 years ago. Swift’s career skyrocketed with Borchetta’s mentorship.

Now Borchetta sees a bright future for Idol’s remaining top five with Clark Beckham, Nick Fradiani, Jax, Tyanna Jones and Rayvon Owen still standing in the spotlight. All are excited about this summer’s American Idol Live! U.S. concert tour which launches July 7 in Clearwater, Florida, and stops in major cities, including New York, Chicago, Houston and Nashville before wrapping in Riverside, California, August 28th. It’s a great experience for fans of the show.

Asking the young singers what song would best describe their Idol experience, Clark Beckham(22 from White House, Tennessee) said, “The first thing that comes to mind is from the lyrics of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ one of the greatest songs of all times. The lyrics ask ‘Is this the real life or is this just fantasy?’ It’s been so crazy to be part of this, for me that sums it all up.” Clark impressed everyone by singing another classic “Yesterday” during last week’s performance, cementing his front-runner status.

Nick Fradiani (29 from Guilford, Connecticut) is happy to be going on tour this summer, and said, “There’s a great song called ‘Never Give Up,’ and that’s my motto, because I’ve been playing music for a long time now, and I’m the oldest contestant, but I never gave up and I’m here now.”

Jax (18 from East Brunswick, N.J.) reported that her biggest singing inspirations are Janis Joplin and Barbra Streisand, so any of their songs will do nicely. Tyanna Jones (16 from Jacksonville, Florida) is also thrilled about the Idol tour, and said it might be a lot like Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A.” song.

Rayvon Owen (23 from Richmond, Virginia) describes his experience as the feeling he had when he first heard “Pure Imagination,” the song from the Willy Wonka film. He said, “I feel like I just walked into the chocolate factory with my golden ticket.”

This season American Idol has been filled with saves by the viewers with Rayvon getting so many well-deserved reprieves, and surprise drama with the recently departed Quentin and Harry locking horns.

So who will win? Wynn Las Vegas has listed the sports book odds at the casino, and (as of 4/23/15) Clark Beckham is on top with 2 to 1 odds; Jax goes off at 9 to 2; Nick Fradiani 8 to 1; Tyanna Jones 10 to 1; and Rayvon 15 to 1. Actually, at this point, they can all be considered winners.

Tune in Wednesdays as the countdown to the next American Idol continues, with the finale set for a two day celebration, May 12 and 13 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, airing on Fox.

Great teams of “Bigs” and “Littles” were teeming at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles the annual BBBSLA Accessories for Success Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show. The usual red carpet arrivals and boutique shopping were offered. But for the first time the event had the “Littles,” the youngsters, participating in the fashion show strutting the catwalk with the “Bigs,” their mentors who make the BBBS programs such a life a life changing experience.

Welcoming everyone to the afternoon affair at the Beverly Wilshire was actor-director Gregg Daniel (True Blood), as the hit Pharrell tune “Happy” got the crowd in a festive mood. And the festivities were beautifully emceed by the stunning actress and fashion icon Amber Valletta, assisted by Tiffany Siart, BBBSLA president and CEO. Marking the 60th anniversary of BBBSLA, Siart said they were there to recognize “women of accomplishment, not only in the board room, but in the world of philanthropy.”

Honors were bestowed on Nicole Lorey, VP and Chief Communications Officer, Transamerica Brokerage, who got the “Innovator Award,” and Kate Nichols, Digital Marketing Producer, CBS Marketing, was thrilled to accept the “Rising Star Award” from her “Little Sister” Cambria. Later they both walked down the runway in impressive styles from Goodwill outlets. There were trendy and vintage outfits that captured the “Dressed for Success” theme. In recognition of the new alliance between BBBSLA and Goodwill Southern California, the current Miss California USA Natasha Martinez presented a video highlighting the multi-faceted dimensions of Goodwill. Laura Lizer, BBBSLA Board Chair; NJ Goldston; Nancy Taylor; Nina Shaw; Sharon Harroun Pierce and Sandra Stern were honorary co-chairs. Also attending were international model Carissa Rosario and business woman philanthropist Barbara Lazaroff.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles changes children’s lives (called the “Littles”) for the better, forever, through professionally supported one-on-one mentoring relationships in the community-at-large, at schools and at corporate sites. Mentorship by caring adults (the “Bigs”) has proven effective in significantly increasing academic performance and self-esteem while decreasing risky behaviors. “Little” Cambria, 17, said she has made a friend for life, and her “Big” Kate Nichols said she was proud to “make an impact with mentorship, and make a difference a ‘little’ at a time.”

Annual Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival

There were little kids everywhere when more than 2,500 fifth grade students from throughout Los Angeles County gathered on The Music Center Plaza to successfully set a Guinness World Record™ for the world’s largest ribbon dance. The colorful event highlighted the 45th Annual Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival, a three-day celebration where more than 16,000 students attend a live performance for free and then perform their dance. It was presented by The Blue Ribbon, the support organization of The Music Center and its resident companies. Supporting the festival and the arts for students, the Valley’s Blue Ribbon members Pam Smith, Iris Bovee, Louise Epstein and Linda Bowling attended, along with Blue Ribbon President Carla Sands and Guinness World Records Adjudicator Philip Robertson making sure the achievement was officially recorded.

‘Little Boy’ Film Gives Hope to Iraqi Children

The film Little Boy had its premiere downtown Los Angeles and will open in theaters this Friday, but half a world away it had an impact on children in Iraq. The inspirational drama was executive produced by the remarkable team of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. The film was taken to Iraqi refugee camps where two non-profit groups sponsored a showing for displaced Iraqi children who have been fleeing terrorism from the group ISIS, Jacqueline Isaac, VP of Roads of Success, told me. Isaac was there with her LA based humanitarian organization, helped by the support of Movie To Movement, a non-profit that uses film to promote social change. Mr. Zuhdi Sardar attended the LA premiere on behalf of the Iraqi-Kurdistan Regional Government, praising the film.

Little Boy follows the WWII era story of a seven year old boy who hopes his “magical powers” will bring his father back safely from fighting in Japan. After the Iraqi children saw his film, producer Eduardo Verastegui remarked, “Our story is an adult fairy tale, but they are living out the reality of war in their daily lives. I’m thrilled to know that our film inspired them as they have inspired me.” The children shine a light on hope.

]]>A Potpourri Update of Television Rebootshttp://tolucantimes.info/entertainment/a-potpourri-update-of-television-reboots/
Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:37:27 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=30200There’s lots of news about television shows, series and specials. And if you love musicals you’ll be happy to hear that NBC will be remaking The Wiz. It’s the network’s next live musical holiday season production following the success they’ve had with The Sound of Music and Peter Pan.

The big news about the show is that Cirque du Soleil has joined the project with plans to bring the show to Broadway in 2016. It will air on December 3rd and will again be executive produced by the musical-loving team of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winners for Chicago), with Tony-winning director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) attached to direct both the live event as well as the Broadway revival. Tony winner Harvey Fierstein will contribute new material to the original book by William F. Brown.

The Wiz is a modern, urban take on L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which won seven Tonys during its original 1975 run on Broadway. While the musical (and the 1939 film classic with Judy Garland) followed the Kansas tornado storyline from the books, the 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross as Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy as she was transported to Oz, a.k.a. a fantasy version of New York City, with Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow and Richard Pryor as The Wiz. No casting has been announced for NBC’s version.

The cast is already in place for the return of The X-Files on Fox TV. Thirteen years after the original series run, stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will be back as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. The network has ordered six episodes of the science fiction/horror drama revival from 20th Century Fox Television and Ten Thirteen Productions, which will be helmed by creator/executive producer Chris Carter.

Production on The X-Files event series is set to begin this summer, after Duchovny wraps up NBC’s powerful Aquarius crime drama premiering May 28th. Debuting on September 10th, 1993, The X-Files ran through May 12th, 2002 (producing 202 episodes). The series also spawned two hit theatrical films and a short-lived spin-off in 2001 called The Lone Gunmen.

With the ratings success of the new edition of The Odd Couple on CBS starring Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon, revivals seem to be the trend in television nowadays. Following the announced reboot of The X-Files by Fox, and Twin Peaks on Showtime, NBC wants to bring back the college sports comedy Coach. The original star Craig T. Nelson will revive his role as Hayden Fox, who he played on the sitcom from 1989-97 (on ABC), producing 200 episodes. This proposed new version is called a sequel, and the network announced: “Coach Hayden Fox, in the present day, has retired from coaching. He is called back to become assistant coach to his own grown son, who is the new head coach at an Ivy league school in Pennsylvania that is just starting up a new team.”

NBC has ordered 13 episodes for next season, and there is no word if any of the other actors from the original series (including Shelley Fabares and Jerry Van Dyke) will return. Barry Kemp, the creator of Coach, will write and executive produce. Nelson recently concluded his five and one-half seasons on acclaimed NBC family drama Parenthood.

ABC just announced that they want to bring back The Muppets. The network has ordered a pilot presentation featuring the Muppets from The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady, who is co-writing and executive producing with Bob Kushell (Anger Management). Earlier in his career, Prady wrote for The Jim Henson Hour, Muppet Classic Theater, and a number of Muppet specials, so he’s the right man for the job. The new version of The Muppets is expected to focus behind-the-scenes of a late night talk show hosted by Kermit the Frog. The original Muppet Show was a hit airing in first-run syndication from 1976 to 1981, and was briefly revived on ABC in 1996 as The Muppets Tonight, but lasted only 10 episodes.

In the words of sports legend Yogi Berra—“It’s Déjà vu all over again.”

]]>PBS’ ‘Last Days in Vietnam’ Examines History 40 Years After the Warhttp://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/pbs-last-days-in-vietnam-examines-history-40-years-after-the-war/
Fri, 10 Apr 2015 16:47:15 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=30153Last Days in Vietnam is an Oscar-nominated film directed by Rory Kennedy, which will have its television premiere as part of PBS’ American Experience series.

The documentary film recounts our evacuation from Vietnam in 1975. It’s set against a backdrop of official confusion and chaos. But it also shows the heroic actions of individual Americans and South Vietnamese to move people who were in harm’s way at the end of the war. It was difficult for all involved as they decided — who goes and who gets left behind?

The premiere on PBS, Tuesday, April 28th, is one day shy of the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. With extraordinary footage, the film puts you right in the middle of the U.S. embassy on the morning of April 29th, 1975, with 6,000 Americans still in the country, and hundreds of thousands of the South Vietnamese allies realizing that time has run out. With no official plan to evacuate those allies, some Americans made an unsanctioned effort to help people escape from the retribution many feared was coming after the U.S. troops pulled out. At the American Experience interview panel during the recent Television Critics Association’s press tour, the fuzzy memories we might all have about the Vietnam War came into focus thanks to the film’s participants. Colonel Stuart Herrington was there. In 1975, Herrington was a captain in the U.S. Army, serving as an intelligence officer. He departed from the roof of the U.S. embassy after assisting more than 2,000 Americans and Vietnamese to evacuate by helicopter that night. Also describing the events from his point of view was Binh Pho, a college student at the time, he was one of the South Vietnamese left behind at the U.S. embassy compound. He was sent to a reeducation camp, escaped and eventually made his way to St. Louis.

The director-producer of Last Days in Vietnam, Rory Kennedy, isan Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and also the youngest daughter of Ethel and the late Senator Robert Kennedy. Presenting the panel was Mark Samels, executive producer of American Experience.

Rory revealed while growing up in the Kennedy household, that Vietnam was very much part of her consciousness from an early age. She said, “My father, Robert Kennedy,?ran his last campaign in 1968 really because he wanted us to get out of Vietnam. From as early as I can remember, I recognized how important Vietnam is and how seminal it is as an event in our nation’s history. Yet I realized there is so much that we don’t actually know. I think we see that iconic image of the helicopter leaving what we think is the embassy. We think we know the story, but most of us don’t know the story. And it’s hugely relevant now.”

When Colonel Herrington got back to the U.S. after four years in Vietnam, he said he did interviews about what happened during the last days of Vietnam. “I had spoken out in a very bitter way and it had been picked up by the media,” he recalled. “What I found was the attitude in the Army towards those of us who served to the very end was more than a bit forgiving, and the attitude of the local community was to tout what they called heroics. But I never thought they were heroics, but rather terrible actions that I would live with the rest of my life. And then along came Rory and she managed to look at it and put it in the perspective that the better part of 40 years I had failed to do,” he said choking back his emotions.

Vietnam now has a growing tourism industry. Some Vietnam veterans and Vietnam refugees go back. Binh Pho said he went back in 2000 after President Clinton had lifted the embargo and he felt safe to visit relatives.

Colonel Herrington explained after he retired from the Army he went to work for Callaway Golf Company in 2001, “So I went to Vietnam for my company which had a supplier there. It turned out that the factory that they were building, which I had to inspect, was right on one of the bases that I had worked around during my tour. The factory was an eye opener because where an American base had stood was now the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park with Avenues A, B, C, etc., with factories with all the brands of the world there. Where the water tower and the barbed wire were was a huge 18-hole golf course with a country club and the best buffet lunch you could ever have. And you wouldn’t be human if having last been in Vietnam in 1975 like me, and then seeing all this, if you didn’t ask yourself, ‘What was this all about?’ I found myself just scratching my head and wondering what was this war was all about.”

Tune in Last Days in Vietnam for the history lesson.

]]>‘The Dovekeepers’ and ‘A.D. The Bible Continues’ are Productions of Biblical Proportions from Roma Downey and Mark Burnetthttp://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/the-dovekeepers-and-a-d-the-bible-continues-are-productions-of-biblical-proportions-from-roma-downey-and-mark-burnett/
Thu, 19 Mar 2015 19:08:38 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=29867Collaborating as producers for the top-rated The Bible mini-series was only the start for Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. Now the talented and devoted married couple is bringing TV viewers more productions of biblical proportions. They have The Dovekeepers airing on CBS March 31st and April 1st, and A.D. The Bible Continues, a special limited series premiering on NBC April 5th, Easter Sunday.

Based on Alice Hoffman’s historical novel, The Dovekeepers follows a group of extraordinary women whose lives intersect in a fight for survival at the siege of Masada in the first century. In the title “dovekeeper” roles are Cote de Pablo (NCIS), Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards) and Kathryn Prescott (Finding Carter).

Downey talked to the Television Critics Association during the winter press tour about being inspired after she read Hoffman’s bestseller. “I absolutely fell in love with the story. I had been to Masada a few years ago and had been so profoundly touched by the story of a persecuted people who, in the face of that persecution, had stood up for what they believed in, where courage was greater than fear and faith and love was greater than hate and that the power of sacrifice greater than war.” So she met with Hoffman, and then suggested the project for CBS, home to Roma’s Touched by an Angel for more than 200 episodes.

“What attracted me to the story was that it had these amazing courageous and powerful women. For many years, as an actress myself, I was always looking for the story or the scripts that could really put women out to the front and center. And this story certainly does that. It’s profoundly moving, and it’s incredibly inspiring,” reported Downey, who filmed The Dovekeepers in Malta last year.

For NBC’s A.D. The Bible Continues, Downey and her husband Mark Burnett (Survivor, Shark Tank) continued to combine their talents as executive producers for what they describe as “a labor of love.” Roma revealed her feelings about working together as “a great privilege to be able to do what you love to do. And to be able to get to do what you love to do with the person that you love most of all in the world has really been great fun. We bring very different skill sets, and we make sure that we keep a good sense of humor.” She said that has gotten them through the challenges they faced during filming, and praised her husband for being able to wrangle large groups of people in remote areas.

A.D. filmed in Quarzazate, Morocco, a small city surrounded by the Majestic Atlas Mountains. It features an international cast that includes Juan Pablo DiPace as Jesus. The story picks up where the top rated The Bible miniseries left off exploring the events that follow the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and the struggles of his disciples, the sorrow of his mother Mary, and how the political and religious leaders of the era were affected.

“We feel privileged to be able to bring this epic television event to NBC,” says Downey. “It is an incredibly exciting and heartfelt depiction of the greatest story ever told that can now be seen by all. It is an uplifting spiritual journey through the later chapters of biblical history. More than anything combined that Mark and I have done in our careers, we’ve had more calls, more emails, more anticipation and excitement about the launch of this series.” Tune in.

]]>Ken Burns Presents ‘Cancer: Emperor of All Maladies’ on PBShttp://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/ken-burns-presents-cancer-emperor-of-all-maladies-on-pbs/
Thu, 12 Mar 2015 22:46:09 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=29804Cancer: Emperor of All Maladies is an important three-part documentary series executive produced by the esteemed filmmaker of landmark programming Ken Burns. His films have been teaching audiences about a variety of subjects through his acclaimed historical documentaries such as The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, Prohibition, National Parks, World War II, etc. And now he wants to help shine a light on the history of cancer with the program based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D.

The six-hour film directed by Barak Goodman will air on PBS on Monday, March 30th, Tuesday, March 31st and Wednesday, April 1st.

At the Television Critics Association’s 2015 winter press tour Burns, Goodman and Dr. Mukherjee spoke about their efforts to tell a comprehensive story of cancer, from its first written description in an ancient Egyptian scroll, to the modern research institutions trying to find a cure. The film interweaves a historical narrative with personal stories about patients, and an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs that may signal hope for cures.

The film is divided into three episodes — Magic Bullets: following the search for a cure; The Blind Men and the Elephant: about understanding the essential nature of the cancer cell; and Finding an Achilles Heel: offering a look at the how scientists are trying to crack the mystery of the malignant cell, and the development of therapies.

Although Burns usually develops his own productions, the Cancer series is a personal subject for him. “What drives me is any subject that is close to my heart,” Burns said. He praised Dr. Mukherjee’s source material as “an extraordinary work of literature, not just of science, not just an amazing detective story that the ‘The Emperor of All Maladies’ is, but also this extraordinary blueprint for Barak and me to follow.”

Burns explained, “This film probably has more wattage in terms of brainpower of scientists and physicians — and merge all of that together into what is an incredibly existential sort of roller coaster of emotions, roller coaster of discoveries. Every time there’s huge failure it actually opens a little door to progress. Every time everyone’s confident that this is going to be solved, the door slams shut, and we feel sort of embarrassed at having declared a premature victory. That’s the nature of science and the nature of this story, which I think makes it all the more interesting.”

Dr. Mukherjee said that cancer goes back to the origin of human history. “There are certainly mummies with cancer that have been exhumed with cancer still growing in the bone. Everything that we know about the cellular biology of cancer tells us that the disease has been with us since the origin of humans,” he revealed.

The origin of the film began in 2010 thanks to producer Laura Ziskin (Pretty Women, Spider-Man), a Stand Up To Cancer co-founder, who wanted to produce a documentary about cancer from the time she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Ziskin (who lived with cancer for seven years, and died in 2011) got the rights from Dr. Mukherjee, and WETA president and CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller (who underwent cancer treatment) came on board and connected with Burns, who lost his mother to breast cancer when he was 11. Many more supported the production and helped get it made.

Rockefeller stated, “Cancer touches the lives of nearly everyone in America. The statistics are staggering. In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men, 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 300 children will have cancer.” During her cancer battle, Rockefeller said she “became entranced by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee’s amazing new Pulitzer Prize-winning book ‘The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.’ Fascinating and inspiring, it finally defined for me the context and the enemy I was fighting. I resolved that I would do anything I could to make ‘The Emperor of All Maladies’ into a film that would have immense impact.”

Burns noted that at this stage of the battle against cancer, “we’re at a place where the patients become central to their own care,” so this PBS film endeavors to offer a better understanding of the struggles they face and the hope that looms. Tune in.

]]>Publicists Awards Honor Excellence with Bob Newhart, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Netflix, Bob and Harvey Weinsteinhttp://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/publicists-awards-honor-excellence-with-bob-newhart-cheryl-boone-isaacs-netflix-bob-and-harvey-weinstein/
Fri, 06 Mar 2015 15:42:27 +0000http://tolucantimes.info/?p=29691Just three days before the Oscars®, the 52nd Annual ICG Publicists Awards was held and Hollywood’s hard working publicity people joined members of the International Cinematographers Guild, along with their president Steven Poster, ASC, to honor some great folks in the entertainment industry.

The luncheon was a celebration of the professionals behind the scenes who generate great swells of attention for television and movie productions, as well as the performers in the business. “It’s not an easy job,” Poster told the gathering at the Beverly Hilton. Neither is putting together a great awards ceremony. That’s thanks to the efforts of awards committee chairman Henri Bollinger, a legend to all in the room, and co-chair Tim Menke, who is remarkable at delivering a flawless event. Bollinger kicked things off telling everyone, “We sing the praises of those who have excelled in an art form that dates back to the earliest days of circuses and vaudeville.”

The much loved comedy icon and actor Bob Newhart, 85, received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and after a great clip reel he treated the crowd to his special brand of deadpan humor. “I started doing standup in 1960, and this afternoon I’m going to Palm Springs to do standup, in case you want to see me. People ask me why I keep going, and the alternative to me is that movie Sunset Boulevard, and I can’t see me telling someone what episode of The Bob Newhart Show I want to see,” he joked.

Two giants in the film industry received the Motion Picture Showmanship Award. The co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company, brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein, were presented their trophy by Billy Bob Thornton, who worked on several of their movies, from Sling Blade to Bad Santa. Thornton praised Bob and Harvey for taking B-movies and making them “independent films.” Harvey Weinstein is regarded as the father of the modern day awards campaign, and Thornton said, “They are two guys who know the value of publicity for the box office.”

The Weinsteins’ film The Imitation Game was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar this year. The founders of Miramax, Bob and Harvey have previously received Academy Awards for Best Picture for The English Patient (1996), Shakespeare in Love (1998), Chicago (2002), The Kings Speech (2010) and The Artist (2011).

Speaking of the Oscars, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, was honored with The President’s Award from ICG president Poster, and it was presented by Ava DuVernay, director of the Oscar-nominated film Selma. Ava and Cheryl both talked about getting their start in the publicity field.

From my days as editor of The Hollywood Reporter, I got to know Cheryl when she was at Paramount where she rose through the ranks because of her outstanding work leading the studio’s publicity department. It’s been great to see her become a leader in the industry and take the reins as head of the Motion Picture Academy®. I agree with Henri Bollinger who said, “Cheryl represents the finest qualities of our profession. She has an extraordinary track record as a marketing executive, while at the same time devoting her talents and influence to improving the public perception of all who contribute to the cinematic arts.” Cheryl Boone Isaacs certainly deserves the recognition.

Another award was given out for TV Showmanship Award and Chelsea Handler presented it to the Chief Content Officer at Netflix, Ted Sarandos. Handler noted he is “leading a revolution at Netflix” responsible for an exceptional lineup of programs, including House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black.

The highest honor publicists can bestow on one of their own is the Les Mason Award, which Octavia Spencer (The Help) presented to Melissa Kates of Viewpoint PR. The Bob Yeager Award for Community Service went to Justine Gamez, a publicist at Warner Bros. Tony Denison (Major Crimes) and Bruce Davison (X-Men film series) announced Wilson Webb got the Excellence in Unit Still Photography for Motion Pictures, and Ursula Coyote got the Excellence in Unit Still Photography for Television. Scott Eastwood (Snowden) gave the Press Award to Dave Karger at Fandango.com, and Rocio Ayuso from Spain got the International Media Award from Maddalena Ischiale (Unbroken).

Presented by Melora Hardin (Transparent), the Maxwell Weinberg Award for Best Publicity Campaign for TV went to Jane The Virgin, from CBS Television Studios for the CW network. It was accepted by Arpi Ketendjian for the entire team. The Maxwell Weinberg Award for Best Publicity Campaign for a movie went to Columbia Pictures’ The Interview. Publicist Andre Caraco was funny when he accepted for his team thanking “the supreme leader of North Korea.”